YAC has teamed up with Almo Collegio Borromeo to launch a new competition, inviting architects to contribute to an exciting project, the “Garden of Knowledge”.  This competition is your chance to design a contemporary piece at one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions, among history, art, nature and beauty. 

When founded in 1561 by Charles Borromeo, this university the “Palace of Knowledge” was built to empower bright young minds with limited means. Now, the Collegio seeks to revitalize a vast green area, once filled with orchards and gardens, to foster beauty, community, and connection.

‘‘There are places where history speaks with greater intensity. There are places that have witnessed dialogues and encounters involving people that have influenced the course of mankind. There are places that history considers crossroads of thought and relations, where some of the most distinguished minds of all time have met and thrived.The Almo Collegio Borromeo is one of those places.’’

The main challenge is adding a contemporary piece to a mosaic that has been growing and renewing for nearly 500 years, bridging the rich history of the Collegio with contemporary architecture. Your design will help bring life to this shared space, honoring its legacy while welcoming the future.

Check out here for more information. 🏛️

Key Dates

• Early Bird Registration: Oct 7 – Nov 10, 2024
• Standard Registration: Nov 11 – Dec 15, 2024
• Late Registration: Dec 16, 2024 – Jan 12, 2025
• Submission Deadline: Jan 15, 2025
• Results Announcement: Feb 24, 2025

Prizes

• 1st Prize: €8,000
• 2nd Prize: €4,000
• 3rd Prize: €2,000
• 2 Gold Mention: €500 each
• 10 Honorable Mentions

Submission Requirements

• A1 board in PDF format, horizontal or vertical layout, with design concept, project illustrations and 3D views (plans, facades, cross-sections, renderings, model pictures, hand sketches)
• A3 album in PDF format, horizontal layout, max. 7 pages, with one general plan, significant plans and sections (1:200 scale)
• Cover image in JPEG or PNG format (1920x1080px) for your project avatar